Creativa

I've started all over again. . .

2010-04-12T01:42:00.002-06:00

. . . over here at Dia's Days!

Hope to see you there!

xox,
claudia

bread, a bag, and buh bye

2009-08-11T22:50:00.010-06:00

This may very well be the last post at Creativa. I'm over this space and am ready for an end or maybe even ready for a fresh start. Who knows!? Before I "leave", though, I have a couple of things to share. . .

BREAD:
I've heard about this bread book for over a year and have owned the book for over 6 months but I just decided to use it last week. Oh, wow, is it easy! The first dough I made was the all-purpose boule. From that, the first recipe I baked was the sticky buns and, let me tell you, oh, are they yummy! I've made them twice now and will very likely make sticky buns once a week! (Twice a week is probably not a good idea.) I have also baked the artisan bread from the boule recipe and have incorporated wheat flour into the dough recipe. It is so tasty, especially when it sits enough days to develop a sourdough taste. YUM, again! We don't usually eat bread with our meals so this may become a problem for our daily carb intake, but I'm sure we'll figure out a good solution or just do a little more exercising! Next recipe in the baking queue, sunny-side up apricot pastry!

BAG:
I have had one handbag on my mind for a couple of months, the "Everything Tote" found in Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. It's a huge bag designed to carry goods from your shopping fun but I chose to make the bag to use as my daily handbag. I'm not a fan of big bags and prefer using a small purse or wristlet but would like to be able to carry my water bottle, my new day planner and my camera all together. This bag will work just fine, even if it is bigger than what I like to carry.

I worked on this bag over the weekend after purchasing Laura Gunn's Hanging Cages fabric (purchased at Fancy Tiger, of course!). The design on this fabric is so pretty and I figured I would enjoy it more if I used it for a handbag instead of a garment. I used a Kona cotton for the lining (I don't know the color but I would call it "ice blue") and Amy Butler "Happy Dots" in ice for the inside pocket and the lining of the straps.

The bag is pretty simple to sew and I like how the bias trim gives the appearance of piping sticking out from underneath the seam if you just happen to press it so. I reduced the size by 2" on all sides and added a couple of loops for keys and glasses and a zippered pocket on the exterior. I have decided it needs a water bottle holder of some sort. I was planning on sewing on a loop made from elastic to the inside side seam but, with possible condensation issues, I think I'll sew a tube that has elastic on the top and bottom ends. It will have to be sewn through the lining and exterior at this point.

I like my new handbag and I think it will help to keep me better organized.

BUH BYE:
I started this blog over 4 years ago. Over this time I have had highs and lows with blogging and in life. I've never really been a committed blogger and really only started this blog to keep a record of the things I make (mainly things I sew), recipes I cook and flowers/plants I grow in my garden. In 4 years I've certainly been inspired by many craft blogs and have spent much more time reading those than writing for this one. I appreciate the few who have visited and have left comments and am glad to also have made some new friends along the way. While I'm happy I started and kept this creative journal, I think it has reached its end. Right now, my life is going through a few transitions and I feel ready for a fresh start--2 of my children will be in school full-time, there are big changes with my husband's job, and the biggest transition is new life, I'm pregnant! A new blog, with a new name, and a new focus seems to be calling my name. I don't know when (or if) this will happen, but I hope it will be sooner rather than later. For now, I'll keep reading those amazing craft blogs and I'll be thinking about where I'm headed with blogging. Hope to see ya soon!

What does your garden grow?

2009-05-26T17:40:00.012-06:00

This year my garden includes much more than flowers and my usual salsa garden. It includes a nice variety of vegetables too!

Last year we sowed seeds for radishes, carrots, peas, snap beans, and onions but our lack of planning and veggie-growing knowledge was evident in our harvest. I don't have any photos to document the end result but it wasn't pretty. Those veggies were grown in my "cut flower" garden but space was limited and we ended up with many weeds and volunteer tomato and tomatillo plants all throughout the garden--thanks to our compost. It was "zero fun" weeding so I gave up on that garden after a few attempts. That garden turned into a jungle of weeds and over grown plants and it was time for a new beginning. (BTW, I now avoid putting any tomatoes/tomatillos in the compost bin and I am also selective about which weeds make it in there. We also watered and turned it often during the winter months.)

I am a big fan of "Lasagna Gardening" so in early fall 2008, after I cleaned up the jungle mess and transplanted the perennial flower plants, I covered the garden area with cardboard to smother the weeds, grass, seeds and prepare the ground for a blank slate for 2009.

This is what we have now and I couldn't be happier!

My husband worked very hard to build these two beds and he did a beautiful job! I have never worked with raised garden beds before and so I had a few questions about gardening this way. I was told time after time to look into "Square Foot Gardening". Wow, it's an amazing concept! I'm looking forward to sweet success this year with an abundant harvest.

Here's our list of plants:
Black from Tula Tomatoes
Cherokee Purple Tomato
German Pink Tomato
Gold Medal Tomato
Dragon's Tongue Bean
Golden Zucchini
Verte et Blanc Squash
Golden Zucchini
Double Yield Cucumber
Chioggia Beet
Dragon Carrot
Lettuce Mixture
Pumpkin
Jalapeño, Serrano, and Anaheim Chile Peppers
Red Bell Pepper
Radish
Watermelon Radish
Green Onion
Green Bell Pepper
Purple Queen Bush Bean
Bush Snap Bean
Snow Peas
Sugar Bon Peas
Sweet Treat Carrot
Basil
Chives
Cilantro
Italian Parsley
Oregano
Lemon Balm

I also included a few flower plants for color and protection too! I hope to transplant some of these to my main flower garden soon.
Marigold
Nastartium
Portulaca
4 varieties of Zinnia
Candytuft

two months

2009-05-25T14:55:00.011-06:00

Last time I posted here I was working on sewing more clothes for myself. That hasn't gone so well but I have done a little sewing. . .

-a hoodie, I altered the Summer Blouse pattern from "Weekend Sewing"

-I started a quilt using the great Mod Sampler Quilt-Along tutorial
(My progress can be found here.)

-Easter dresses for my girls

-a skirt for Maria's Kindergarten Continuation

-a headband for the Bolder Boulder

With many commitments behind me now, I hope to get more sewing time in the next few months!

garments

2009-03-26T21:47:00.006-06:00

In January I challenged myself to change my wardrobe by sewing my own clothes! I thought it would be simple to work on one garment a week but soon realized I was being a little too ambitious. I also started a blog to journal all about the completed pieces and the random stuff that I learn as each piece is being constructed.

This is the 13th week of 2009 and so far, I've only made three pieces: a tunic, a "trial" summer blouse, and a different summer blouse. The blog is pretty sad at this moment so I won't even give you a link until I can actually get more posted.

#1-This is the tunic

#2-The summer blouse is a pattern from the book "downtownDIY sewing". It's a very cute design but I won't post a photo because mine didn't turn out so cute. . . As this was my first attempt at sewing this blouse, I made a trial blouse from a cheap cotton instead of muslin just so that I could wear it when I completed it. (Yes, I'm a bit confident in my skills. HA!) Well, sadly, I didn't have enough fabric for the whole blouse but I didn't figure that out until I had already cut out the main pieces. Needless to say, it's ugly but, hey, now I know how to construct it in the right size for me! Maybe next time I'll go with muslin. Um, nah--see my next garmet description!

#3-The third piece I've made is another summer blouse except this one is from the latest book to hit the sewing world, "Weekend Sewing" by Heather Ross. I first read about the book on this post at this great blog! It's a quick sew and it's very comfortable! I can see myself making a few more with some variations--sleeveless, 3/4 length sleeves, a dress, a different neckline and a hoodie!!! The variations will certainly help me catch up to my goal of one garment per week! (If I can finish the year with 52 pieces, I'll be happy even if they weren't all made "one per week".)

This blouse was made using a thrifted sheet. Probably cheaper than muslin and wearable too!

Taxi Tote

2009-03-24T22:56:00.004-06:00

I made the Taxi Tote bag from the book "Seams To Me" by Anna Maria Horner.

It's a simple bag to construct but because I was making it late at night it took me longer than I had anticipated due to some really dumb mistakes! Nobody should sew late at night or when they are tired! I didn't have trouble with the bias tape but spent a lot of time taking out stitches after I stitched the whole exterior shut!!! I'm so used to making lined totes and, even with nice illustrations on the pattern instructions, I couldn't clearly understand the way the lining was going to fit inside the exterior fabric because there is no turning involved--it was midnight!

I used fabric I had on hand--the flower fabric is from a fabric store in Puebla, Mexico; the lining is a bright pink cotton solid; the bias tape is a pink cotton with a red flower print--left over fabric from the "In Stitches" loung pants.

Now, I just have to get used to carrying a purse over my shoulder since I've been staying away from carrying a diaper bag and use a wristlet to carry the basics.

5!

2009-03-24T21:38:00.005-06:00

Juju turned five earlier this month so I made her another birthday tee. For this one, I appliquéd 5 circles onto a strip of fabric and added some crazy stitching to the strip to give it some texture. Then, I zigzag stitched the strip onto the front of a t-shirt (I backed it with some flannel). It was simple and cute and I liked it but it was all over too quickly so I decided to add 5 more circles to the back. She loved it!

(I know you can only see 4 circles, but the fifth circle is off to the right.)

quilt-along

2009-03-07T21:55:00.004-07:00

I'm very excited to participate in the Mod Sampler Quilt-Along. Elizabeth, the host, will certainly be teaching us lots of great skills for quilting. Check out her amazing work on her blog.

I purchased fabric today at Fancy Tiger and spent a long time trying to figure out my color choices. I started off thinking I would work with a green and orange palette but then the Anna Maria Horner fabric just had to be included!!! I ended up with blue, yellow and orange as my color palette and I am very pleased with this combo. I'm ready to get cutting AND sewing!

ATC Kids Swap

2009-02-28T10:41:00.005-07:00

Both of my girls participated in the ATC Kids Swap. I decided to come up with a theme to make the process a bit more focused and a whole lot easier, on me. Our theme was "New Life - SPRING". Our art media consisted of watercolors and black marker. From the looks of it, watercolors were very popular for these ATC's.

Maria (age 6) had lots of ideas and finished her cards in no time.

Julia (4) had a hard time getting started but with some extra guidance from Mom ("Paint the card. What do those colors remind you of? Okay, draw that!") she made some wonderful cards too.

Along with their ATC, each swap partner received a few heirloom pumpkin seeds (Rouge Vif d' Etampes) w/instructions for how to grow these beautiful "Cinderella" pumpkins. (FYI, the seeds are from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.)

Happy Spring, friends!

We're happy we could share our art with you and would love to hear about your pumpkin adventures!

Friday's Yellow

2009-02-20T22:48:00.002-07:00

Fabric, vintage:

Some vintage fabric just waiting for the right project!

I'm not certain this fabric is vintage, but it sure seems like it to me. This is a wristlet I made.

Another wristlet I made using more vintage fabric.

Thursday's Yellow

2009-02-19T17:27:00.003-07:00

Toys:

The dune buggy, dump truck and airplane are my husband's childhood toys. So cool! So yellow!

Wednesday's Yellow

2009-02-18T13:59:00.002-07:00

Outside:

Our garden sprinkler, just waiting to be used!

The cool pot on our front porch.

Some pansies in our cool pot.

A yellow truck on the way to preschool.

Tuesday's Yellow

2009-02-17T14:51:00.004-07:00

In my craft room:

Illustration on the cover of a dressmaker's book by Singer.

Straight pins in my favorite pincushion.

Cutting tools.

yellow week

2009-02-16T17:48:00.005-07:00

Some yellow for today, Monday. . .

Bridge on the playground at the park.

Yellow parking line in an empty school bus station.
(Imagine all of the yellow I could have found here!)

A fire hydrant named "Joe".

Yellow cab that probably doesn't run but is certainly a stand out ad at the "Taxi" building.

A hoodie for my man

2009-01-29T23:02:00.004-07:00

I made the men's hoodie project for the 2009 CRAFT:along with one day to spare! I gave it to my husband and he likes it! I like it too and I'm much happier with this project than with the cookie project.

In this hoodie you can:

be serious

clean your glasses

act like a monkey

smile

or look afraid.

All those photos just for fun (outtakes that didn't make it to the Flickr pool) and to show you that I added a couple of extra touches:
-two stripes on the front pocket
-a zipper pocket on the sleeve for my husband's phone

THE END

Lemon Drop Cookies

2009-01-28T22:12:00.005-07:00

Lemon Drop Cookies made for the 2009 Craft: along January projects.

Good but not great, in my opinion. I was hoping for a soft and very lemony cookie. Instead, I got a very crispy sugar cookie with a hint of lemon. They will sit in a covered container overnight with a slice of bread. Maybe by morning I will change my mind?

Now, lets hope the hoodie turns out to my liking!

número tres

2009-01-17T15:14:00.005-07:00

I have now made 3 tunics from the pattern in the downtownDIY sewing book.
The first one I love!
The second one was a HUGE disaster!!!
The third one (below) is a keeper!

I added a coordinating fabric to the cowl neck out of necessity* and it makes a subtle contrast. Nothing crazy, just sweet.

*ALWAYS keep the "nap" in mind when purchasing fabric. While this fabric doesn't have a nap, it does have a one way direction--the birds all stand up in the same direction. I didn't take this into account when I bought the fabric and so the cowl neck has a bird on its side.

I used fabric designed by Tina Givens which is so lovely. I can't wait to see some of the block panel fabric from the same line. Fancy Tiger are you getting any soon!?

Seeds

2009-01-16T15:49:00.006-07:00

This year's garden will include:
•Black from Tula Tomato
•Cherokee Purple Tomato
•Gold Medal Tomato
•Verte Et Blanc Squash
•Yellow Zucchini Squash

Heritage Farm Favorites Collection:
•Double Yield Cucumber
•German Pink Tomato
•Chioggia Beet
•Dragon's Tongue Bean
•Dragon Carrot
•Lettuce Mixture

All from Seeds Savers Exchange.

We will be starting the tomato seeds soon in the very successul origami seed starter pots. This was very successful for us a few years ago and it is such a smart way to start your garden!

We're hoping for some good black gold too!

compost bin

Art Tool

2009-01-15T20:46:00.003-07:00

I have a new art tool and I can't wait to use it!

I came across this brush while looking for some tips on calligraphy; it was suggested as a helpful and fun tool. It holds water in the barrel of the pen and allows you to control the flow of water for different effects. I will use it for calligraphy, paper/rubber stamp crafts and watercolor painting.

Sew and Share

2009-01-11T19:53:00.002-07:00

I'm really liking the sewing book I found this past fall; the one I used to make the tunic. I like it so much I started a Flickr group for it. If you have the book and have completed a project or two from it, please share it with us!

Here's some fabric all ready for making another tunic. I purchased it this weekend at my favorite local craft shop, Fancy Tiger!

It was time!

2009-01-03T19:17:00.005-07:00

Time to sit with my 6 year old and begin teaching her how to sew using a sewing machine.

Last year we worked on embroidery and she really liked it. She's embroidered a few animals and some flowers but we've never done anything with her finished pieces. Maybe we can use them to sew a sachet, a pillow or a little purse once her skills on the sewing machine develop past learning to sew straight lines.

I let her use my vintage Singer. It is such a simple machine that sews beautifully and with such ease. It's a fantastic starter machine.

Plus, if you look closely at her right knee you can see that you power it with your leg, not your foot. A bonus for a young learner because you don't have to worry about raising the foot control to reach her short legs.

Handmade Gifts

2008-12-27T23:26:00.013-07:00

I made a few Christmas gifts for the kids:

A skirt for the Mexican dress that was on her gift list,

A couple of reversible aprons,

And a Wee Wonderfuls cowboy doll. JP named him "David" and brought him with us on vacation,

Light & Dark

2008-12-14T08:47:00.006-07:00

Last night a friend invited me to join her for Art Night--a gathering at a friend's house for sharing and creating art together! The theme of the night was "watercolor painting". This invitation had great timing since I recently purchased a mini-watercolor set just to give watercolor painting a try. I was so excited!

(sketching the still life with a pencil)

It was a fun night and I learned that painting with watercolors is much more difficult than I had imagined! We began by painting a still life which was not what I had anticipated. I was mentally ready to do some abstract color creations--you know, like the kids make with their Crayola watercolor paints! Yeah, I set my expectations kind of low, huh? It was suggested, by our watercolor expert, that we begin with a still life to work on developing an understanding for light and dark. Man, was that hard!!! She gave us great tips but my brain just couldn't wrap itself around the concept of painting light reflection and shadows; it's hard for me to see things that way. This art form will be something I look forward to developing. A challenge, for sure! I love a good challenge!

(my painting after too much thought and too much water.)

Defective

2008-12-10T21:24:00.007-07:00

I worked on some fun zipper pouches over the weekend and was very excited to finally use my metal zippers with cute zipper pulls. I bought them in NYC a couple of years ago at M&J Trimming specifically for using them on zipper pouches and finally decided to use them.

I made this pouch

and this one.

I went with the frayed look, again, on one side; it's a little wild and funky. The other side is a little more classic and clean. The lining fabric matches one of the outside fabrics pieces.

I like the way they turned out. My intention was to post them on Etsy but I can't! They're defective. Yeah, really! You can't tell by just looking at them but they are. The zipper gets stuck and you have to mess with it a bit in order to make it close. It opens just fine. I made a few changes with the second pouch in hopes that it would be better but I've come to the conclusion that the industrial zipper is just too much for the petite pouch. So sad.

Momnesia?

2008-12-04T11:22:00.003-07:00

Maybe it would go away if I had this gadget. . . a Palm Centro.

After reading Molly's post about this amazing "smart phone" on Momformation, I'm wondering if a Palm Centro can really be the answer to bringing order to the so-called chaos in my life. Hmmm, should I even ask!? Check out her post on Momformation for a list with descriptions about all it does. I think the planner and the list maker would make this momma run like a well-oiled machine. How do you think you could get it to always know where your keys are?

If you'd like to have one you can enter to win one at Molly's giveaway. Oh, wouldn't it be nice to win!?

#129

2008-12-04T07:28:00.008-07:00

Alisa, comment number 129, you're the winner of a set of scarves! I will be sending you an email shortly to find out which 2 are your favorite. (Number 129 was selected by the Random Number Generator at Random.org. If I knew how to copy the page I'd past it right here but that's something I'll learn for next time!)

I'd like to thank you all for your very kind comments about the neck warmer scarves! You've really made a girl smile and feel great about handmade creations! I'm happy to have been able to participate in this great giveaway and hope to give away more of my creations in the future. Sew Mama Sew deserves a great big thank you too!

If you'd like a neck warmer scarf of your own, please visit my Etsy shop and receive a 15% discount if you enter "giveaway" in the note to seller section. I am planning on adding more neck warmer scarves, including some male scarves, by Friday and am happy to take special orders too. A zipper pouch or two may show up there as well.

Thanks again!

Today is Give-Away-Day!!!

2008-12-03T11:36:00.008-07:00

You picked a great day to check out what I'm up to today!
I'm up to giving away a scarf or two!

The great Sew Mama Sew blog has declared today "Give-Away Day" on blogland so I've decided to join the fun. I will be giving away a set of neck warmer scarves from my Etsy shop. The set will include a patchwork scarf (adult) and a soft n warm scarf (child). You'll get to choose which two you want so go check them out at my shop.

To win a set of neck warmer scarves all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog! Make sure I have your email address so that I can contact you if you win. I will randomly choose a winner and contact you tomorrow.

*UPDATE: This giveaway will close at 8am EST on December 4th. I've enjoyed all of your kind comments. Thanks! It's been fun and I will surely do another giveaway soon. . . maybe a neck warmer scarf or maybe a handbag or maybe an apron???

Preparation

2008-11-29T20:41:00.005-07:00

Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent and this year I'd like to keep an Advent Calendar with daily activities for the kids. I think the girls are old enough to be able to participate and also find meaning in the daily activities.

Two years ago I made stockings for our Advent Calendar but they weren't very interested in much more than hanging a new stocking every day until Christmas day and I wasn't well-prepared with activities either. This year, my hope is to keep our activities simple but meaningful. The activities will be a way of helping us to patiently wait for the coming of Jesus. (The stockings I made are pictured above and you can see that I stuck to the traditional Advent colors, purple and pink. The white stocking represents the light of Jesus.)

ACTIVITIES
•each Sunday of Advent will have an extra special activity:
-write a special note to a family member or friend to let them know how much we love them then mail it
-take a meal or baked goods to an elderly neighbor
-purchase a gift for the giving tree at church
-purchase and deliver food to the food bank at church

•special activity on special feast days:
-November 30th - First day of Advent, set up the Nativity Scene without Baby Jesus (and do one of the "Sunday" activities too)
-December 6th - St. Nicholas, learn about St. Nicholas and give an anonymous gift to someone who needs it
-December 8th - Immaculate Conception, attend Mass as a family
-December 9th - Juan Diego, read our book about Juan Diego and the Virgen of Guadalupe
-December 12th - Our Lady of Guadalupe, attend Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe church and give somebody some roses in honor of the Virgen Mary

•general activities:
-go on a nature walk
-read a special story
-call Great Gma
-visit Gpa during the week
-make a present (drawing, craft, letter) for one of Gpa's friends at the nursing home
-work on an art project (using plaster of paris because Mom bought a box a long time ago and it has never been used)
-get a coupon to "stay up late"
-take pictures of things that make you smile
-bake sugar cookies using gma's cookie cutters
-learn to play tic-tac-toe
-make a name poem (using the letter of your first name)
-get a candy and give a candy to someone outside of the family

•"reusable" activities (just in case I haven't planned ahead or for the very possible "extra" days in Advent):
-say something nice to someone
-do something nice for someone
-say a prayer for a person in need
-your choice

Special activity on Christmas Eve - allow the children to place Baby Jesus in the manger.

Sewing Scarves

2008-11-22T13:07:00.008-07:00

I've decided to take a sabbatical from my "job" (a job I truly enjoy!) and while I should be resting and taking it easy, I think I'll sew some scarves. . .

Sewing has been a helpful therapy for me over the past few years during some very tough times. The therapy part of sewing comes from being creative, working on something I enjoy, having time to myself, putting aside my worries and sadness and even making gifts for others, just because!

I have recently posted a few of the neck warmer scarves that I've made on my Etsy shop. I am working on more but they will be available for a limited time so please go check them out soon.

The neck warmer scarves done in a patchwork style (above) include some of my most favorite modern fabric and just make me smile because they have a little bit of a whole lot of goodness in them. I also have super warm and soft neck warmer scarves (below) made from minky dot fabric and flannel. These have been made for children but some may also fit an adult.

And just because my husband was feeling a bit left out, I will be offering neck warmer scarves for men very soon too.

Spare Change Quilt

2008-11-20T13:22:00.003-07:00

I received my 5 x 5's from Juliette this week.

She arranged the Spare Change Swap and I decided to join because I knew it would be a fun way to commit to making a quilt, finally. I can't wait to get started! I'll be using her tutorial because I really like the white borders.

Thanks for your hard work, Juliette!

Coming Soon. . .

2008-11-18T15:25:00.001-07:00

The Tunic That. . . .

2008-11-06T21:19:00.006-07:00

will never be worn!

(front)

In fact, it will probably be taken apart and the fabric used for another project. Yeah, that's how much I dislike it!

"Coriander" by Alexander Henry really caught my eye and I thought it would be fun to use this fabric for a tunic. But a tunic made solely from this fabric seemed a bit much to me. Now, I think I was wrong! Next to this disaster, it would have been just fine!

My goal was to use the black and yellow fabric to accent the solid gray Kona cotton. You know, take something boring and dress it up with something fun! I just wish I would have had a plan instead of designing it as I went along. While I'm not happy with the final result, I did have fun constructing this tunic and altered the Downtown DIY Sewing pattern to exclude the pleat and expose the lining of one pocket. Good practice, good learning, not good outcome.

(back)

Oh, nuts!

2008-11-06T20:02:00.004-07:00

Everybody's Nuts. . .

are so very yummy!

Especially the salt & pepper flavor.

Sew Thankful!

2008-11-02T19:52:00.006-07:00

Two very lovely ladies have sent me two very lovely gifts.

Thank you, Kelli!

The African fabric and pouch are my prize for the Tri-Pocket Tote I submitted for September's Finny & Donk's Sewing Adventure.

Thank you, Julie!

notecards and mirror designed/made by Julie

A little gift she sent me for a little advice I sent her. Hope you're having fun sewing!

Vote for Becky!

2008-10-30T21:23:00.009-06:00

Becky Botsford (WordGirl's true identity) is running for class president against Tobey MacCallister and just in time to teach our kids a little about elections including campaigns, candidates and voting!

On Tuesday, November 4th, Election Day, PBS Kids Go! will be airing the Election Episode of WordGirl. "The plot centers on a fifth-grade Class President race with a slyly funny take on events from real-life presidential campaigns*." Also, the key words to listen for during the episode will be "campaign" and "election". If you've never watched WordGirl before, then I should tell you that at the very beginning of every episode you are told what two words to listen for. This is one of many excellent reasons why this show is so amazingly wonderful. I've mentioned before that my two girls might just be WG's biggest fans but, secretly, I think I am!

I encourage you to take time to watch this clever and fun show. Not only will it give your kids a basic lesson on elections but it will give you a good chuckle! You can find your local t.v. time here.

*The quote I used above along with the three illustrations were sent to me from a PR person at Scholastic who contacted me after my previous WordGirl post. She told me about the upcoming election episode and asked if I might be interested in writing a post about it. Of course! How exciting! She sent me the illustrations and so here you have it. Not only was this post written to encourage you to share a good lesson with your children but also to encourage you to vote!

Tunic

2008-10-28T21:26:00.004-06:00

One tunic down, one to go!

I'm so happy to have completed this tunic! It's a fun design and a hip look--check out the neckline--but my favorite thing about it is the fabric! (Amy Butler Geisha Fans in olive from the Lotus line)

The pattern is from a sewing book entitled Downtown DIY Sewing.

I purchased it recently at Hancock Fabrics, of all places! And while Fancy Tiger is still my very favorite place to shop for fabric and sewing goods, I do stop by Hancock every once in a while for some basic sewing items (especially around Halloween). I'd never heard of this book before but the tunic on the cover caught my eye as well as a few other cute patterns; it's got 14 patterns total! I've decided that I'm a bigger fan of books with a variety of patterns over patterns sold in an envelope. Plus, you get a better deal!

So, here's the scoop on the pattern:

•The pattern was fairly simple to construct and not too time consuming but I must tell you that this book is for intermediate to advanced sewists! The instructions are nowhere nearly as detailed as Amy Butler's patterns and less descriptive than a commercial pattern. There are some illustrations. I like a sewing challenge and the lack of detailed instructions made this tunic very fun to sew because I had to use skills that I might not otherwise use in the construction of basic sewing projects.
•The fit is great! I took my measurements and decided to go up one size from the recommendations on the sizing chart. The tunic is wide because of the pleat and I probably would have been fine not going up a size, but I like how it looks. It might be a bit wide for some tastes and to help keep it from looking too wide, do some edge stitching along the pleat.
•The sleeves are easy to construct and the bias tape hem makes the tunic look very nice. I also really, really like how the sleeves look--not too short, not too tight, not too bulky!
•The neckline is cute and if you feel that it is too tall, then you can fold it down. I imagine with a few washes it will look a little less stiff. One thing I will be doing to this tunic is finishing the neckline seam allowance with bias tape because you can see the stitching. I serged the seam allowance but I'd prefer a more finished look because it's visible.
•The pockets are sweet. I lined then in a bright orange and plan on taking out the stitches on the outer edge and folding over one corner to expose the fun orange. Otherwise, you can't see the lining.
•Overall, the pattern gets 2 thumbs up! I like the pattern and am ready to make another tunic!

Word Up!

2008-10-28T20:37:00.005-06:00

This post was inspired by an animated character and her two biggest fans!!!

Ever since last spring when my, then, 5 year old daughter declared her love for WordGirl (an amazingly wonderful children's show on PBS) there's not a day that goes by when the kids don't talk about her, pretend play about her or watch her show.

Who is WordGirl, you ask?
WordGirl is a delightful character who fights crime using her extensive vocabulary along with the help of her lovable sidekick named Captain Huggy Face. If you haven't yet seen this wonderful show, I encourage you to watch it because you're really missing out! PBS Kids T.V Times. She's even been interviewed by Jim Lehrer! The show won an Emmy this past summer for Outstanding Writing in Animation.

With so much love for WordGirl how could we let Halloween pass this year without dressing up as our favorite characters!? The girls were thrilled with the idea and I have now made 3 WordGirl costumes (one for each of my girls and one for their good friend) and one Captain Huggy Face costume. I don't typically dress up for Halloween but I'm considering dressing up as Becky Botsford (WordGirl's true identity).

Here's what I came up with. . .

Happy Halloween and Word Up!

Twins?

2008-10-18T10:15:00.005-06:00

Don't mean to be a trouble maker but doesn't this "new" pattern (on the far left) look just like this popular pattern? Hmmm

Vrooooom!

2008-10-05T21:38:00.004-06:00

Just a little gift for a sweet little friend who turns 2 this week.
Happy Birthday, Little D!

This reversible apron was made using blue denim and an oh-so-cute! cotton print by Michael Miller called "Gas Station".

Fabric Plans

2008-10-04T21:50:00.006-06:00

I have some new fabric and I have some plans. . .
(from top to bottom)
•pillow covers for throw pillows on my couch or a simple runner for my coffee table with the Patchwork Promenade fabric by Denyse Schmidt

•a tunic for myself with the Geisha Fan-Olive fabric from the Lotus Collection by Amy Butler

•another tunic for myself in gray Kona cotton accented with the Coriander fabric by Alexander Henry

•I don't know what I'll be making with the Leaf Bird fabric from the Nest Collection by Tula Pink but I sure do love it!!! (Isn't this a genius design?)

I just saw the new fabric line by Amy Butler called Daisy Chain and I can't figure out which I like better, Basil OR Silver. They are both so lovely! Can't wait until Amy Butler trunk show at Fancy Tiger!

Delighted. . .

2008-10-01T16:36:00.003-06:00

. . . means to feel really, REALLY good about something--as per WordGirl.

Anyhow, that's how I'm feeling about my haircut today.
I cut my long hair back in August and the change was quite an adjustment for me. So, to go even shorter with today's cut was a very big step. I'm glad I did it, though, instead of asking my stylist for just a trim so that I can grow it out again. I'm delighted with the shorter style! Change is G-O-O-D!

Barber Shop

2008-09-24T10:57:00.007-06:00

JP went in for his first "real" haircut today.

We took him to a neighborhood barber shop with three barbers who all were busy snipping and buzzing away. Once it was our turn The Boy was very resistant to sitting in the chair until he was handed a lollipop. He then agreed to sit and go through with the hair cut all while having to hold onto his lollipop under the cape. Kind of cruel, kind of funny! He did a great job sitting still, with a few strange looks and turns of the head at the man messing with him.

I don't know if I broke some sort of unspoken rule by going into the barber shop with him and Dad but I had to be there! It was a milestone I couldn't miss and I was so proud of my boy! So, while I was excited to witness my boy's first barber shop haircut, I think the boys can go without me from now on.

x3

2008-09-18T21:36:00.006-06:00

In one week's time we had three birthdays to celebrate--a friend's, JP's and Maria's. I made birthday treats 3 times and made 3 different sets of gifts, kind of*. The treats weren't just any old cake or cupcake recipe but a yummy and very rich cake/candy recipe. This recipe deserves a post of its own so I won't say more about it here. Stay tuned.

*"Kind of" defined:
My friend had a milestone birthday this month so her husband and I planned a surprise sewing party for her. She's been wanting to learn to sew and this was the perfect opportunity to get her started! Our party was at a local craft store where I teach basic sewing classes. We served food and drinks and sewed a couple of fun projects. Since my camera only had enough battery power for one photo that night (I was so busy getting ready for the party that I forgot to charge the battery!), I don't have party photos to share but I do have photos of one of the projects we made.

side A

side B

We made these lovely lavender eye pillows inspired by the eye pillow pattern in Denyse Schmidt 's book. I wanted the party to be a social event with a simple project that would allow us to continue chatting, eating and having fun. This project was perfect! I chose four different fabrics and pre-cut them before the party. Each invitee selected two main fabric pieces and then used scraps to dress up their eye pillow. There weren't any layout guidelines and everyone was quite creative making very unique eye pillows. I'm sure they all slept very well that night thanks to the lavender.

The 2nd project we made was a simple card holder with a snap closure. Sorry no photos. It was such a fun night and I can't wait to get to sew with these ladies again; I think they're hooked!

Gift #2:
Two days later my JP turned 2 and I made him a few fun appliquéd t-shirts. My favorite is the guitar tee that he wore on his birthday.

These are the other tees I made:

The large rocket and the train were made by piecing different fabrics together. The traffic sign tee was made by cutting out the signs from the fabric. Simple.

Gift #3:
Maria's birthday was next and I decided to make her a blouse. I used Simplicity 3511 and Heather Bailey's Wallpaper Roses. I trimmed the hem in a solid blue cotton that does not match the rose fabric because I really like the look of "doesn't match but still looks good together". She was very happy with it.

September has been another fun stitching month for me! Can you tell?

Tri-Pocket Tote

2008-09-13T22:26:00.006-06:00

This Tri-Pocket Tote is the latest project for Finny and Donk's Sewing Adventure. I have only worked on one other project for this sewing adventure and it was about time I made another.

This tote was made expressly for my sweet preschooler. She was excited to know that Mom would make her a school bag instead of buying one. Needless to say I was very excited too! She picked out the colors (blue, red, yellow) and then I made the fabric suggestions. Once she saw the floral Amy Butler fabric she also requested green because it is her favorite color, after all. The pattern and color combo makes me happy and it made her super-happy when she awoke to find a finished bag this past week!

This tote is simple to construct and I really like the finished piece. I especially like the three pockets for separating/organizing your things! I'm not so crazy about the construction for the top hem and straps. I think it could be completed in a more finished way. For this bag, I serged the hem and the ends of the straps. If I make another, I might try adding a lining or using fabric that isn't heavy-weight denim so I can tuck the strap ends underneath the hem. Overall, though, it is a great bag because of its construction simplicity and because of the three pockets.

New Lesson

2008-09-10T20:29:00.009-06:00

My first batch ever of preserves, Peach-Rosemary Jam from Martha Stewart.

I have a dear friend, Mary, who is amazing! She knows about everything and not just a little but a lot about everything! Of course, she knows a lot about canning and preserving food. Last year I was very interested in learning how to can peaches but never got around to inviting her over for a lesson. This year I got my act together and was able to give it a shot; I'm so glad I did! The main motivator was the delicious recipe above. Who could pass up making that interesting combo especially when you have a box full of juicy and very ripe Palisade peaches sitting on your kitchen counter.

I was also motivated by different bloggers who had written about freezer jam. I never knew there was such a procedure and so I tried that first. I made strawberry and peach jam. Wow! It's so easy and fast! It's quite delicious too! Definitely a fool-proof way to preserve for a beginner.

With an abundant amount of ripe peaches and all the materials necessary on hand, I was ready to move on to something a little different. Today I made this peach salsa recipe (recommended by Mary).

Again, I found this recipe and the procedure for canning to be quite simple. I was able to get this batch made in under 2 hours.

I'm very happy with my new knowledge of how to preserve the harvest. Next year I hope to own my own instruments and pots and try out a few new recipes. BTW, Mary used a steamer instead of a traditional canning pot. It saves water and energy (because you don't have to heat as much water) and can even be used as a roaster! I'm glad it's what I used for my first attempt at this because it's really quite easy and now I won't be intimidated to try this method.

Ooh, I found these beautiful canning jars and they would be perfect for making pretty gifts out of my preserves! I would love to use them next year too. Next year better be good, ya think!? There's lots to get ready for.

Not Headless

2008-09-07T23:07:00.005-06:00

I've been asked repeatedly why bloggers cut off their heads in photos of themselves or their "models". Well, I guess we each have our own reasons for it but, one thing is for sure, it's the norm. My husband jokingly commented that some future sociologist will come across our blogs one day and have to decipher why our generation of bloggers didn't show their faces/heads. What do you think their conclusion will be?

Well, for this post I've decided to photograph myself wearing the newest top I've made with out cutting off my head,

just my face. Hee, hee.

This is another top from the Built By Wendy/Simplicity pattern #3835.
It comes together pretty quickly and, again, I like that it fits like a t-shirt. The fabric I used is Park Slope in Orange by Erin McMorris. I like the fabric but this print seems more appropriate for spring or summer. Guess that means I better get ready for cooler days. I didn't use elastic on the sleeves, as the pattern suggests, but chose to make a small band around the sleeve just like the other top I made. I plan on re-doing the elastic in the neckline. It is too tight and definitely could be loosened up a bit. I thought making this top in a larger size would solve that problem but I think I just need to add more elastic.

I think my next tee alternative will be made using a solid-colored cotton. It could also make another with two different colored fabrics. I just have to make sure it doesn't look like a baseball tee.

Underwater Sisters-Wendy, Amy and Me

2008-08-21T22:12:00.005-06:00

This was my year to make more garments and so far, so good! I've been sewing lots this year and most of what I have made has either been something for my girls, something for a friend or something for ME! Yes, ME!

This is my latest. . .

. . . a Built by Wendy pattern, Simplicity 3835.

The fabric is Underwater Sisters from Heather Ross' Mendocino line. I used Amy Butler's Full Moon in tangerine to trim the sleeves instead of using elastic. I'm really loving the orange/sky blue combo these days.

This is a simple pattern and cute too! I like that it fits like a t-shirt but doesn't hug my body. The neck-line might be a little too high for my liking. I don't like low-cut neck-lines but this one could scoop a little lower. Maybe it would help if I made it one size bigger. Yeah, then I wouldn't have to pick out seams and re-stitch them at 1/4". I think the next one will be made using sheet fabric from this summer's Summer Skirt Sheet Swap.

A Racing Stipe and Some Stars

2008-06-17T12:29:00.004-06:00

I finally made myself a new bag!

The Amy Butler fabric combo makes me smile and I must say that any AB combo always looks great together! Would you agree? I just love putting two opposites together. I also used orange thread for the top-stitching just to keep with the unconventional mix.

Tennis stars.

I made this dress for Julia so that she can wear it to pee-wee tennis practice. She loved it so much that she wore it all weekend and didn't get a chance to wear it to practice today. It was very simple to make and I was able to use one of my special new friends (a machine) to sew it together! (I promise I will share more about my new friends in another post!) I didn't use a pattern but did use a store-bought dress to trace the shape/size. It wasn't very hard to make, really, and it was super quick! My own touches include a cute little orange embellishment around the neck and some elastic to the full neckline because it was a little loose.

(Here we're headed into Downtown over a newer pedestrian bridge built over the highway. I think it looks like her concrete runway.)

Skirts, cont.

2008-06-05T19:32:00.003-06:00

These are the fab sheets I received from the Summer Skirt Sheet Swap arranged by Lisa. She managed this whole swap on her own and in a very orderly manner too! Her organization is quite impressive. She was even kind enough to consider our requests and send us what we liked. Thanks Lisa!

The sheets I received came from Beth (gold stripes/circles), a different Beth (large red poppies) and Ginger (green bamboo). I love them all but my favorite is the bright and bold red poppies. I chose to use it first and made an A-line skirt instead of using Lisa's great tutorial; I wanted a more fitted look. It has a zipper on the side seam, bias trim along the bottom edge in place of a hem and a pocket that I placed in a slanted position. This slanted pocket will become my signature detail on skirts just because it's fun!

Here it is:

The slanted pocket:

Me wearing it:

(I'm wearing a t-shirt that I stenciled with a flower using the freezer paper stencil technique. I'm "all craft girl all the time".)

Skirts

2008-05-01T14:50:00.003-06:00

I decided to join the Summer Skirt Sheet Swap because I'd like to wear more skirts this summer. I figured I would purchase a thrifted sheet for this swap but didn't find anything after visiting two stores so I came home to see what I might have in my stash. I found this black and tan sheet purchased a couple of years ago.

It was bigger than a twin, which is what was suggested by Lisa, so I decided to use some of it to make a skirt for myself first. I've been wanting to make the tiered Amy Butler Barcelona Skirt and thought the black and tan sheet was perfect! It was!

(Caution! Click on photo to enlarge at your own risk! It is an awful photo, but I'm sure you could already tell.)

I didn't use the tissue pattern from the Barcelona pattern because my measurements all fit in the S,M,L sizes listed on the pattern. Rather than figure out how to make the appropriate adjustments I decided to make my own skirt pattern instead. I used the Sew What! Skirts book for the fitted A-line skirt and then used my SWS paper pattern in place of Amy's. I followed her instructions for construction and ended up with a great piece.

So, with a completed skirt and left over fabric, I decided the black and tan was the perfect sheet to swap. I can't wait to see what I get in return!

zzzzzmmmmmm

2008-03-31T10:17:00.009-06:00

That is the sound coming from my basement lately where I've been spending lots of time sewing. I have a new machine and a companion for it but I'll write more about that in another post.

So what have I been making you ask? Well, a little bit of everything but I've been trying to focus on garments--my sewing goal for 2008.

So far, so good!

Next in the sewing queue are the Amy Butler Lotus Cami, the Oliver + S Tea Party Sundress & Bloomers, and the Amy Butler Barcelona Skirt.

Baby Shower Fun

2008-03-28T09:03:00.006-06:00

I've been doing lots of sewing around here. Yesterday I hosted a baby shower for my daughter's preschool teacher and so here are some things I sewed:

A table runner. "Ms. S. doesn't know if she's having a boy or girl so I went with bold turquoise, red and peach colors. This runner was inspired by this MS baby shower. The front and back are made with muslin and it has batting in between. The circles are made from twill and appliquéd with Heat 'n Bond.

A couple of appliquéd onesies.

Some burp cloths:

Some personalized bibs. These were made with flannel on the back side and on the front I used a cotton fabric that had a drawing from each student. Each student drew a picture on paper with fabric crayons and then I transferred their drawing to the white cotton fabric.

(Please excuse the B-A-D photos! I still don't have a good camera. These were taken using the still photo option of our digital video camera.)

Gratitude Friday, Good Friday

2008-03-21T09:46:00.004-06:00

Today, and everyday, I am so very grateful for Jesus!

“Jesus, I lift up my eyes to you. I weep because I have caused your suffering. Yet I embrace your cross with unspeakable joy. Your love for me has led you here, and your love is stronger than death.”

Meet F.A.S

2008-03-20T21:59:00.006-06:00

Last summer my husband built a nice compost bin for us after we decided to seriously begin changing our waste habits. By the time fall arrived we had filled it with plenty of good stuff from our yard and our kitchen that would decompose over the winter months and give us that wonderful black gold for our gardens in the spring.

He tended the compost throughout the winter months turning it often (when it wasn't too frozen) and dumped our kitchen scraps in the bin daily. Well, late January while looking out our window we saw this ~~little~~ round guy.
Where do you think he lived all winter?

We couldn't believe our eyes and were glad that at least this squirrel didn't have a rough winter. Do you think he shared his secret with his buddies? From the looks of it, no! Anyhow, we decided to name him F.A.S., Fat Ass Squirrel.

2 green skirts

2008-03-19T21:35:00.003-06:00

I finally tried out the Twirly Skirt tutorial by Erin of House on Hill Road. A super easy skirt that doesn't take much time at all!

These two were made to be worn on St. Patrick's Day, and they were.

The hem and waist bands on Maria's skirt are pink with green polka-dots and on Julia's they are white with green polka-dots. Both skirts tie with pink grosgrain ribbon.

I'm also making one for myself from a delightful bird fabric I bought over the weekend at my favorite local store, Fancy Tiger. I hope to work on it very soon!

One thing leads to another

2008-01-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

I've finished the Jan/Feb project for Finny & Donk's Sewing Adventure: a button scarf. This is a group on Flickr where a project from the book Simple Gifts to Stitch is chosen every month or two, you stitch it and submit it.

The scarf button project suggests you use faux fur and lambswool but I chose to use fabric I had on hand instead. I found myself being lots more creative and unique than I thought I would be just by taking inventory of my fabric stash. I made my scarf first and then made some for the girls with a twist on the button part. I see myself sewing a few more for gifts this winter. Certainly a simple stitch project to gift.

I made a button scarf for each of my girls using flannel and dot minky fabric. Instead of a button I used snaps placing a colorful capped section on each side of the scarf. I did this so that the scarf can be reversible and also so the scarves will stay put. My girls have never worn a scarf before and this will be a good beginner scarf.

For my scarf I used fleece and the scarflette I knitted two winters ago but only wore for about 2 minutes because it was way too itchy. It was the perfect solution for making the scarflette wearable and I didn't have to spend any money on buying more farbric. I didn't make a button-hole on my sewing machine and chose to just cut a slit in the fleece since fleece doesn't fray. The knitting is pretty loose so the button goes right through the knitted half.

I enjoyed this scarf project! I'm sure to participate in Finny & Donk's Sewing Adventure much more this year because the projects seem to be pretty quick and simple. I'm also looking forward to using up my fabric stash. There's lots I can do with what I have!

bing-bing, ka-zing and skree-skree, y'all!

2008-01-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

Having lots'a Western fun at our house this week! MC is learning all about "The Wild West" in preschool since it's National Western Stock Show time in Denver right now. A big deal to many cow-folk in these parts come mid-January. So I figured we should take a visit to the Central Library to check out some fun western stories. (Sorry for the bad cowgirl talk. I ain't no vaquera! And my western drawl is much worse!)

The librarian handed us 3 great books and I decided I gotta share their titles because they are so darn good! They are all twists on fairy tales, namely Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood.

•My favorite is Cindy Ellen by Susan Lowell. Too much fun! A true riot! Just wait till you meet her fairy godmother.
•Bubba the Cowboy Prince by Helen Ketteman is a Cinderfella-type story and you'll love Miz Lurleen, especially her hair! My favorite line is when she complains, "There goes another ten-dollar Stetson on a five-cent head."
•In third place is Little Red Cowboy Hat also by Susan Lowell. Yep, you guessed it, Little Red Riding Hood's cowgirl cousin! I especially like that the G-ma part isn't scary and that it encourages girls to stand up for themselves!

After so much book fun I hope to make it a goal to visit the central or neighborhood library once a week! We've just gotta get there and get some new stories to keep the kids loving books; especially since Maria is reading now!!! Yee-haw!

Gratitude Friday: LOVE

2008-01-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

I've never posted about the things I am grateful for but was inspired by Beki to do so today.

This Friday I am grateful for LOVE in my home.

I have a husband who is supportive, kind and loving. My children are healthy and strong and keep me on my toes. We have plenty of downs (tantrums, disagreements, messes, heartache) but many more ups (playing, dancing, singing, creating, playing piano, learning to read-MC, learning which shoe goes on which foot-JEM, learning to talk-JP, eating good food, conversations, memories, God) and when the day comes to an end we are all thankful for being blessed with another day of life filled with LOVE.

(Note: the amaryllis is a photo from a year ago. My camera is still broken so I'm using an old photo that fits the theme.)

Wouldn't You Know It!!!

2008-01-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems that my excitement for journaling my creative fun will be put on hold for a while. I broke my digital camera and have lots of things to take photos of right now! Argh!!!!!! What fun is a blog without pictures!?

My camera, this cute red one, is a basic point-and-shoot but after dropping it one too many times and then smacking the lens back into place, um, yes, I was not being very patient, I can no longer take pix with it! It's really a goner, I think. I even took it apart to see if I could do some type of surgery to fix it, but no luck. I don't anticipate buying a new one in the very near future, but the great ads for this one have really got me sold! I'll be saving my pennies for it! In the meantime I'll be checking out this new blog focused on all things D40/D40x.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

2008-01-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

2007 wasn't a super-hot blogging year for me but it was a super-sewing year for me!

The super part of sewing has to do with the fact that I started a new business. For the past few years I've tried selling handbags/accessories at a handful of craft fairs and on Etsy. Selling has gone okay but it's never been very fulfilling and I end up losing interest in sewing because I'm caught up in the pressures of making more instead of being creative. Besides, I've learned that I'm not much of a saleswoman. It isn't fun for me and makes me nervous.

I am a teacher, though. I was an elementary school teacher before having children and I do like to teach and share! So, last spring I decided that rather than sew to sell I would teach sewing! It's been a wonderful experience and so much more rewarding than selling; teaching always is!

This new business venture has been successful for me and it makes me happy. I've purchased a few sewing machines for instruction and have planned a variety of projects to teach. I enjoy the sewcializing but enjoy sharing the skill of sewing even more! Teaching has even allowed me time to sew for myself and my family!

In 2008 I look forward to teaching sewing, sewing more for myself & my family and blogging more about my creative adventures.

(The pouch pictured above was completed by one of my students in the Beginning Sewing class!)

order

2007-12-21T22:53:00.001-07:00

I'm in need of change 'round here. (There must be a new year approaching or something!) This blog thing is fun and all but I'm not very productive thanks to it! Now, that's not a bad thing 'cause it really does keep me inspired, but it seems most of my spare time is used up reading amazing creative blogs instead of making stuff or even posting about it. This girl does need inspiration, but she would also like to share her creations. I hope to share more beginning soon! Let's hope bringing some order to my blog will also bring order to my creating!

I just learned how to add a third column to my Blogger blog and hope to use it to keep craft organized. My simple plan is to use it as a craft column where everything listed in it must relate to craft: inspiration, projects, materials. . . There's just too much good stuff in craft blog world and I always seem to lose it or forget. Hopefully I can capture some of it in my new craft column before it escapes me.

I'm looking forward to posting more often and continued learning and sharing!

Cooking with Mami

2007-12-07T23:19:00.000-07:00

In early November I asked my mom to teach me how to make sweet potato empanadas. I had just purchased a huge bag of sweet potatoes at Costco and had to find ways to use them up. Well, this was a perfect way! They are so simple to make and are very yummy. JP can attest to that. . .

I really must request more cooking lessons from Mami because my everyday cooking doesn't include many family/cultural recipes. I tend to be true to my Everyday Food mags and a couple of excellent cookbooks (Colorado Collage & The New Best Recipe). These all contain fantastic recipes but I feel I must carry on family tradition, especially at Christmas time. I'm not a great fan of Mexican food, probably because I grew up on it, but I must really learn the more traditional dishes as made by Mami: tortillas (corn/flour/wheat), tamales, champurrado, polvorones, buñuelos, . . . Most importantly, I must write down the recipes--even if they are all by guesstimations!

(Recipe to follow soon! When I can find the paper I wrote it on!)

My Halloween Sweets

2007-11-02T10:19:00.000-06:00

With the chill in the air I'm hoping to post more regularly on my blog. I've been busy doing lots of everything, sewing, playing, throwing birthday parties, thrifting, dreaming. . . I just haven't been very busy about sharing on my blog. I'll be playing catch-up over the next few days. So, now that the days will be shorter I sure hope to keep current with posting my completed projects.

Here are my Halloween sweets. . .

JP-Lobster (purchased)
Juju-"Pirate Girl", as she called herself, (thrifted boots, skirt, "vest" and shirt. I cut the vest from a black blouse, I added the ruffles to the sleeves of a boy's white shirt, I made the eye patch)
MC-Snow White (thrifted dress, I added a red cape)
and my Sweet V's pumpkin :)

Hope you had a sweet Halloween too!

My New Bag!

2007-10-10T23:31:00.000-06:00

I finally have a new bag, a new "mommy" bag. I'm done with my old diaper bag (handmade by me about 2 years ago) because I've been using it for way too long! I needed a new bag especially since Baby JP is now 1 and we really don't need to carry too much with us anymore. I decided to go with a messenger bag style since I've never owned one and I like the idea of carrying it across my chest so that I have 2 free hands. I've never made one either but it's not much harder than making a tote and then adding a large flap along with D rings for the strap. Here's the final product:

I'm very happy with the large flap and especially love all of the frayed edges. I pulled the threads to get the frayed look but will throw it in the wash soon to get a bit more of a worn look.

Under the flap you'll find a large pocket that I divided into two. The plan for these pockets is to use one for diapers and wipes case and the other for a sippy cup/bottle. I used the same fabric as on the flap to trim the top edge of this pocket. I guess you could call it patchwork bias tape.

Self-critique to aid in construction of a future messenger bag:
So far my new messenger bag is working great but next time
I would . . .
•use a different type of webbing for the strap because the one I chose is slippery and the slide that adjusts the size of the strap moves too easily
•I would interface both the exterior fabric and the lining or just use thicker fabric. I've been using a very heavy weight denim for most of the handbags I make and I forgot about the floppiness caused by medium weight fabric
•I wouldn't make the flap quite as long--cut it by about 2 inches

green & yellow

2007-09-17T20:45:00.000-06:00

We drove to Greenfield, Iowa from Denver, CO over Labor Day Weekend to visit Great Grandma. It was a fun weekend trip filled with lots of fun times and great views! Here are some photos of our fun.

Walking with GG. A sweet photo.

The vineyard nextdoor to GG's home. Wow! A vineyard? Yeah, I guess grapes do well here and are becoming more common.

A fun morning of fishing (or "feeshing" as GG says). We caught fish after fish after "feesh". All blue gills and bass.

Proof that the fields really are green!

The beautiful view driving back home through NE Colorado! Black-eyed Susan's everywhere. Breathtaking.

Another First Friday!

2007-09-08T23:43:00.000-06:00

I was able to have two "fiber art" pieces on display at our local yarn shop, Posh a yarn boutique, for First Friday fun!

I submitted a handbag and a skirt.

The handbag is a patchwork design on one side and a simple sparkly sequin design on the other. It has a zipper that is trimmed with ric rac. I really enjoyed making this handbag and look forward to using it! That will make my husband happy. He's always asking why the "lady" who makes bags doesn't ever carry a nice one? (I'll post pix of it when I get it back.)

The skirt was a very last minute "experiment". I made it from a new sewing system I recently purchased--the Lutterloh pattern making system (more on that in another post). I was testing it out to see how easy it was to use and the skirt was VERY easy and fit without needing any alterations! I decided to "paint" the skirt and used the super-fun freezer paper stencil technique.

The daisies were inspired by a cute design on a candle holder I thrifted over the summer. Also as a tribute to my mother-in-law who recently passed away. She loved daisies!

And the pocket, well, that was a last minute thing and is my favorite part. I chose to make it the reverse of the white daisies during the process of stenciling them. As I ironed on the stencils to the skirt I liked the look and began brainstorming ways to make use of the idea. I was originally going to just stencil it on the opposite front side but then thought I should practice on a scrap piece before potentially ruining the skirt. That scrap piece became a pocket and in the end a very fun project! I'm so glad for uninterrupted sewing time (i.e. late night sewing). I don't think I could have come up with the same skirt art during the day with busy children.

Doesn't this pocket remind you of the 7-up logo? I don't know if it's the green skirt or the orange dot. Either way completing this skirt has "refreshed" my current attitude toward sewing. Ahhh!

DIY Carnival

2007-07-17T20:33:00.000-06:00

This month I was able to participate in a fun First Friday event, Monkey See, Monkey Do - A Do-It-Yourself Carnival. It was a "carnival" set up in a local gallery, Capsule Gallery, with booths on how to silk-screen, play music, paint, make jewelry, knit, SEW!, of course, and more. Each booth was set up so that participants would get a chance to make and learn! What a great concept and what a great name, no?

This was the perfect event to take lots of fun photos to share on my blog but, unfortunately, I forgot to be a photograper too! That's why I only have 3 pix to share. I wish I would have taken a photo of my set up, of some sewing action and some of the fun at the carnival. Next time I'll have to remember to tie a string around my finger as a "take pix!" reminder. (Above are 2 finished pincushions. Very cute! Below is a picture of me with a crafty 4 year old boy. He decided to make a bug! Too cute! Doesn't he look like he could be my son?!)

I was in charge of setting up the sewing booth and was able to teach a few people how to make pincushions! I thought this would be a perfect project because it involves very basic machine sewing and also some hand sewing. It turned out to be quite fun and my participants really enjoyed themselves! [NEWS: I recently, March '07, began a new business teaching sewing lessons. The craft revolution is still going strong and I thought that by teaching others to sew I could help to spread the revival of this fun and satisfying skill. I've really enjoyed getting back to a teaching role (I used to be a 1st grade teacher) and look forward to lots of fun teaching and sharing. I'll post more about my new venture soon.]

It was a slow-paced evening and not very stressful. I liked that! If I had to tell a fun story about the evening, I'd actually have two to choose from! There's the one about sewing with a 4 year old (the cute one pictured above). His job was to step on the foot control and mine was to maneuver the fabric. We made quite a team and he did very well until the "boy" in him kicked in! He didn't take his foot off the foot control when I said 'stop!'. The needle broke and it felt like the machine was about ruined too! Eveything turned out okay, though! The other story is about the lady who'd had about 1 beer too many (it was First Friday afterall-- free wine, free beer) and started off by sewing her fabric WS to WS (wrong side to wrong side for those of you with limited sewing knowledge). She decided to leave it as is and then we came to a mutual conclusion that it looked great and could be a toy cushion in the shape of a turtle. She said it would be a gift for her cat. What fun!

Inherited Beauty

2007-07-12T23:04:00.000-06:00

(This post was inspired by Beki)

Last winter we inherited 3 beautiful pieces of furniture made of cherry wood--2 spool beds and a dresser with a huge mirror! They were given to us by my mother-in-law's 2nd cousin, Cheryl. She had no use for them and thought of our two girls when she decided it was time to let go of them. These 2 beds and the dresser were purchased by Cheryl's grandparents so that she and her sister would have their own comfy beds when they came to Colorado to spend the summers with Gma & Gpa. Boy, are we lucky to have received such a beautiful gift! They are so well made and perfect for my taste! The girls love that the beds are so high off the ground. They can often be found hiding under them. They can also be found jumping on them too. The house rule is "no jumping on any bed!", but every so often I let them get away with it. Gotta have some fun around here!

A special story about the beautiful pink quilt-

This pink quilt was a gift to my mother-in-law, Linda, for her 18th birthday from her grandmother. This is another piece that we just inherited but only out of sad circumstances. Sadly, my wonderful mother-in-law passed away very suddenly in late April. What a model of strength and full acceptance she was for us. I know that I will strive to live my life following her beautiful example of LOVE. Our faith in God helps to ease the pain, but it still hurts. Linda, we love you and we miss you!

As we were cleaning her apartment, we came across a large box with this beautiful pink quilt carefully folded and protected inside. The box was labeled with this message:

"Pieced and Quilted by Grandmother Beaman and given to her granddaughter on her 18th birthday April 29 1965."

Linda had never mentioned anything about this quilt and so it was such a treasure to find! I, of course, fell in love with it. I pulled it out of the box and carefully examined it. Yep, it was all hand pieced, hand sewn and hand quilted! Wow! With all of the machine sewing that I do I just could not imagine the time and SKILL it must have taken to make this beautiful piece. I was also thrilled with so much fabric beauty! Each hexagon is a small gem of vintage fabric. I asked my husband and his brother if we could keep it. They agreed it could come to our home and I knew exactly what I would be doing with it!

After inheriting our spool beds a few months ago I decided it was time to give quilting a try. I figured that this was the best time for me to make a quilt since Julia's bed was "naked". Her bed was missing a quilt and/or comforter. Well, needless to say, I never got started on her quilt but I guess there was a very good reason for that, huh!? I believe in using and displaying antiques and valuables because they should be seen and enjoyed, with care, of course! So I knew that Linda's quilt would be used to cover Julia's bed! (Julia has learned that we have to take good care of the quilt and that means no sitting or sleeping on the quilt. She always asks for help to move her "special, special quilt".) I also know that Linda is smiling in heaven because her special quilt is being enjoyed by all of us. I'm happy that this quilt will be a constant reminder of a very special woman who filled our lives and hearts with so much love!

Decisions, Decisions

2007-07-07T20:31:00.000-06:00

Over the past two months I've taken it easy with blogging--reading and posting. I made a decision to slow down but did read a few blogs here and there. I couldn't stay away completely, but think I'm a little more in "control" now. It was a nice change because I was getting into an ugly habit of reading blogs and following links and then getting trapped in this cycle until about 1 am! It especially got worse when I signed up for Bloglines! I would rarely use my time to create and that was getting frustrating. Especially after reading about so many amazing crafty creations!

It was time to take a break and make better decisions about how to make the most of my "after the kids are in bed" time. Should I sew, read blogs, clean or sleep? HMMMM. . .what to do? Well, I have to say that most nights I didn't achieve my bedtime goal of 10 pm, but at least it wasn't 1 am either! The late nights are really dumb since I am still nursing Baby and the girls don't take naps anymore. I did get more crafting done than usual, though! Yeah!!!

GOALS:
-I will still be working on getting to bed at a decent hour--11pm should be my absolute latest!!!
-I will give it my best to make myself a skirt and some dresses/skirts/tops for the girls. It's about time we started wearing some cute handmade stuff around here!
-I have also resolved that I will keep my blog time to a minimun and will try very hard not get into that panicky state of "oooooh, I wanna make one of those too!". It's too stressful and takes away from the fun of creating! Let's see how it goes.

Below are photos of some of the things I made. I haven't photgraphed everything I made--time, ya know--but will post as soon as I do.
•baby gift

•baby gift

•birthday gift

•"just because" gift, apron from In Stiches

Just realized that most of what I made was gifts! Guess that's why I have photos. :)
In my opinion, the best kind of creating is giving your special creation to someone you love!

'round the world!

2007-05-05T22:26:00.000-06:00

I'm finally posting about the wonderful Vintage Button Swap 2 package I received from Julia in New Zealand. Aren't these buttons true gems? They are so unique and beautiful! I really love them and also love the pretty fabric she sent along with them. Now, how to use them? As for the fabric, I'm getting into sewing skirts and so it's sure to be used for a skirt. Thanks, Julia!

Below are pix of what I sent her. I made her a coin pouch to hold the buttons and a BIG bag to be used to hold BIG things or just a lotta' stuff! (My 2nd "80's-type" bag) After participating in 2 vintage button swaps it's time for me to be on the hunt for new vintage buttons to add to my stash. It's a good thing flea market time is here!

girl totes

2007-04-22T21:23:00.000-06:00

I made these totes to give away to two sweet girls (say that fast 5 times!).

I made the "n" with a freezer paper stencil to personalize the bag and also because it has been so long since I've stenciled anything. I like the color combo very much--orange and gray!
I appliqéd the dino on to the pink tote and learned that using a zig-zag stitch around so many curves and corners is tough, especially when they are small. But I was very pleased with the end result!

It's about time my two girls got their own take-along totes for carrying their "keep 'em busy" stuff. One will be pink and one green!

The Switch

2007-04-05T22:11:00.000-06:00

For quite some time I was lacking motivation to sew and create and really needed something to change. I'm always inspired by all of the amazing crafters in blog world but just couldn't focus on creating my own stuff. I thought that a new creative space might be the key so I decided to pull a switcheroo on the kids. That has made all the difference!

Here are our creative spaces BEFORE:
(My over-stuffed sewing room and their always messy playroom)

and AFTER:
(Their size S playroom, we're calling it their "little house", and my size L studio!)

Having space to spread out and actually use my table for cutting, arranging, and holding my projects makes sewing so much easier and enjoyable. It also makes for better organization of projects and all my crafting supplies. The girls aren't as messy in their smaller play area because spreading out ALL of their toys across the room isn't as fun in this smaller space. Besides, they are enjoying having their very own craft table in my new studio! We're all happy--but still adjusting to the switch. See J?

Volunteer Sewing

2007-04-05T22:00:00.000-06:00

In all of my recent sewing I have even found time to do some volunteer sewing!

My daughter's school was in need of some sewers to help put together 3 quilts for their annual auction fund raiser. I called to volunteer my service and was given the task of putting together this quilt,
.
It is a quilt made by the 3rd graders and each square represents the state of Colorado.

What a great project for me especially because someone else cut all the pieces out and all I had to do was sew them together! Denyse Schmidt Quilts, here I come!

A BIG Bag!

2007-04-05T21:16:00.000-06:00

I'm a child of the 80's and have pix to prove it--big hair, pegged pants, acid wash, all the good stuff (I'll spare you, though). Well, just about all the good stuff. . . One thing I never had a was the extra large Esprit tote bag. So, 20 years later I finally have one!!! Well, I should say I made one!

The story goes that I've been wanting to make one for over a year but wanted to actually see one so that I could recreate it without winging it. No one I know has one and I couldn't even find a picture of one online so I just put that project on hold! A couple of weeks ago, though, I finally got my hands on one, kind of. I was in line at Safeway when I spotted a mint green tote just waiting to be filled with groceries. I'm sure the gal who was carrying it must have been a bit weirded out by my obvious staring at her bag. I asked her if it was her Esprit bag from the 80's and she said it was actually a knock-off that she's had since the 80's. So it wasn't the real thing, but close enough!!! I made sure to check out all of the important details as she turned her back to me to approach the cash register. I knew it was my only chance to examine "the tote" and I better take advantage of this chance before it was gone!

So, what'cha think?

I had to guess the measurements but think my estimation was pretty good. I chose to use this green vine print fabric because I don't have any attachments to it and didn't want to ruin the "good stuff", just in case the tote didn't turn out. Glad to say this "prototype" did turn out and will be a usefull piece! Here it is filled with plastic shopping bags to be recylced. This super tote will now become my new shopping buddy. THANK YOU lady at Safeway with your 80's mint green bag! Not only did she help me to complete a sewing project but also inspired me to sew "green"!

A Blouse

2007-04-05T00:22:00.000-06:00

I finished this blouse inspired by Amy and Amanda. It is made from Simplicity pattern #3887.

Construction Comments:
•It's an easy blouse to make.
•It can be made with a variety of fabrics and altered in many different ways.
•It's a great blouse for my post baby body!!!
•Will be one to recreate in a size "toddler" for my sweet girls.

A Project Here, A Project There

2007-04-04T23:45:00.000-06:00

That's how my crafting has been going lately. And that's a good thing because I've been able to complete more projects than usual. Woohoo!!! Well, at least I've completed more projects that I enjoyed making and actually like! Of course, I've been heavily influenced by the "oh so crafty" bloggers out there who just don't stop making such amazing stuff! Thanks for the inspiration!

Photos and Pix to follow!

Tote-ally!

2007-03-17T22:40:00.000-06:00

I've had this tote all cut out just waiting to be put together and I finally finished it tonight! It's been added it to my Etsy shop.

It's amazing how quickly handbags seem to come together! Lately I've been sewing clothes from patterns and it seems so time consuming! Part of the reason it takes so long is because I start off by transferring the pattern, in the size I need, to butcher paper. Once it's transferred and cut, then I can get started cutting the fabric and then sewing. The other time-consuming part is reading through the instructions. Instructions are pretty basic but I always read and reread just to make sure I'm doing everything alright. Now I remember why I like designing and making handbags!

A slow transition from clutter to order

2007-02-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

Slowy, but surely my sewing room, no, studio (that sounds more hip, I think) is becoming more organized and practical. I'd love to paint it, find more jars and hang some things and I'll be happy. Hopefully this can happen over the next year. I've gotta give myself time because I'm always changing my mind about what I'm into currently. Right now the new Blueprint magazine has inspired me to paint it very light blue (like the editor used in her Manhattan studio apartment).

Below are a few things I found to help the organization along! I painted the lid of the jar pink--it was white--and I found these vintage jello molds for holding little things like buttons, pins, chalk, ???. I love them especially because they remind me of the homemade "ice" cream my mom used to make in my childhood on hot summer days!

Some stuff I've made. . .

2007-02-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting around to posting about some of my completed projects from the past month! My habit is to be super excited about beginning a project, working on it, and then not finishing it because I found something else exciting to work on! This is why I like quick projects that I can complete in one sitting or one day!

Here are a few COMPLETED (yeah) items:

Some coin purses to be gifted. I'm finally getting around to using my oil cloth stash!!! (Sorry about all of the empty photo frames in that link. I deleted a bunch of pictures from Flickr without realizing which ones I had blogged about. OOPS!)

One of 2 super hero capes I made for special friends! They are made from satin, broadcloth (for the liner), and their first initial is made in red microsuede. I applied the letter with a decorative stitch to make sure it will stay on and look cool. I had initially made the closure a tie and then realized that was quite dangerous (a choking hazard, to be exact) so I added a button tab closure. Hope the boys like 'em! (BTW, that's my MC modeling!)

A "taggie" mini-blanket for my sweet new niece, Gavi! She is now 2 months old. A neighborhood mom had a craft day at her house to make taggie blankies. I wasn't able to make one that day but was excited about learning how to make them! I recently walked into a local baby store and was in shock at the prices on their mini-taggie blankets! Ouch! That was enough incentive to finally make one. I'm so glad I like to sew!!! Scraps are perfect for these, especially flannel, fleece or terry cloth. I'm gonna make up a few and have them ready for the population explosion we're having around here!

Pizza, delivered or pizza joint? Homemade, please!

2007-02-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

I have another favorite recipe source in my kitchen, this cook book.

I made the pizza. Oh, YUM! The crust is amazing and now I understand how great pizza stones really are for pizza. You have to heat them up in a 500° oven for about an hour before you make the pizza. That's one "secret". The other is the red sauce, if you choose to use it. The dough recipe makes three pizzas.

Below are the pizzas I made, two "red" pizzas--one is bacon and carmelized onions the other pepperoni and green bell pepper-- and one "white" pizza with mozzarella and gorgonzola cheeses (not pictured). It was my favorite!

New-Best-Recipe-All-New-Recipes is an amazing book (or encyclopedia of recipes as stated in its description) filled with all the how-to's you could ever imagine and their opinion of the best recipe, for just about anything, after many trials and tests. "They" being the people of America's Test Kitchen. Yes, another PBS cooking show!

I learned about this book from this gal when she posted about yummy chocolate chip cookies and the secret for making them DELICIOUS--melted butter!

If you're into cooking as much as I am, I suggest you get this book!!!

MS Peanut Butter Cookies

2007-02-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

YUM!

This recipe is from Martha Stewart.
It calls for no flour and is soooooo easy and sooooo yummy even without the peanuts and choco chips! It's also a great recipe to make with kids.

You can find the "flourless peanut-chocolate cookies" recipe here among many, many other delicious Everyday Food recipes. These recipes are video clips from the Everyday Food t.v. show that airs on PBS. I've been getting the EF magazine for the past few years and just about every recipe gets 2 thumbs up from our family! Really! I think only 2 have been thumbs down! So, make sure to bookmark this list. It can be your online recipe box for those of you missing out on the EF magazine!

Happy Baking!

hearts

2007-02-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

Here is what MC and I made for her classmates for Valentine's Day. . .

Martha Stewart was the inspiration for our homemade Valentine's. We made these stained glass hearts in red, white, purple and blue because "we" wanted to give a marbled effect. The color selection was also so that the 2 boys in the class wouldn't feel too overwhelmed with pink and red. The Valentine's turned out nice and we even used Martha's idea for heart envelopes. I was able to use my stash of pink "Crack & Peel" paper for the heart stickers to seal the envelope. (FYI-"Crack & Peel" is a sticky-backed paper). MC did a great job writing her classmates' names! She's getting so good at transferring (copying) letters.

I was able to use the left-over scraps to brighten up our kitchen window with some Valentine cheer. The colors aren't as intense in these hearts because they were the top sheet of waxed paper that I peeled off (the MS instructions don't tell you to do this but I think it makes the hearts look better!).

Here is a close-up of a finished heart. Aren't they pretty?

Thrifting Finds

2007-02-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

Found these patterns and vintage fabric at the thrift store a couple of weeks ago! I couldn't believe that the patterns were only 10 cents each and that retro flower fabric, only 33 cents!!! I bought the patterns because I'd like to figure out how to do certain details on clothes. My goal is to at least try to understand the construction and then apply it to my own design. I guess it's a type of self-taught fashion design school! :)

I'm looking forward to working with the McCall's 5086 pattern! It calls for using stretchy fabric and I can use the triple stitch option on my new sewing machine!!!

Thrifting Lesson: Seems that Saturdays are the days to thrift because many things are marked 50% off.

Bugs

2007-02-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

Just had to share this cuteness. . .

He will be 5 months in one week! Everyone always says it but "where did the time go!?"

Zig Zag to fashion

2007-02-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel like I'm a zig zag stitch when it comes to my sewing preferences. One day I'm totally into making bags then I get into making baby accessories and then back to bags and then ???. Crazy! but I guess it's what keeps sewing fun for me.

Right now I've "zigged" into sewing clothes. I've only finished one item, a blouse, and have lots to sew yet! Being 4 months post-partum and feeling so frumpy I'm SO ready for a new wardrobe! The past 7 weeks of snow have helped relieve the pressures of "what am I going to wear today?" because we've been home so much. My clothes issue isn't so much style or trend related but "what will fit me today!?" I guess that's why my current zig is clothes.

I've started a "sketch book" for the clothes I want to sew because I have such a terrible memory. So far I have 3 items in it--an apron (that can also be worn as a compliment to a blouse/t-shirt), a blouse and a skirt. I think I'll get started on the skirt. I'm looking forward to making this skirt because it'll be my first! Plus I'm not so scared of going for it since I now have a few hundred hours of sewing under my belt, I have plenty of fabric and if I screw up I can go out and buy some cheap fabric from the thrift store--sheets!

I've also started a new blog called "Refashion Files". It's a blog for "sharing helpful techniques to refashion and construct clothes". I'm always coming across great sewing ideas on the web and decided it would be nice to file these ideas away so that I wouldn't forget them. It's a multi-author blog and open to all who want to contribute ideas and learn! Just contact me through a comment or an email and I'll sign you up!

Above is the button to link to Refashion Files. Beware: I might change it as I come up with a new idea. You know I always think of something "better", I'm just funny like that! Also, please bear with me as I am a beginner at HTML!

Kimono Robe, pink

2007-02-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

Kimono robe #2 from the Amy Butler pattern book, In Stitches.

This is another birthday gift (for a different family member). It's smaller than the green one I made and I'm happy with how it turned out. The robe is quite easy to make but the instructions are a little too wordy. Beginning sewers beware!

I only have one alteration to the pattern and it is a very simple change. I chose to use a contrasting fabric for the neck trim and therefore bought less fabric. The alteration I made was to make the belt out of two pieces and join them with a french seam. Contrasting trim would also look nice on the sleeves and maybe even on the botton hem.

4072

2007-02-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

Simplicity 4072

I finally made something for myself!!! I love to make things for others, but being 4 months post-partum I really need some new clothes. Well, at least some transitional clothes. This time around, baby #4 :), the belly is really hangin' around!

I loved this pattern when I saw it but it is a dress and it is so hard to wear a dress when you are nursing! So, I decided to make it into a blouse. I give the final result an okay. It would make a great maternity blouse if you cut the bottom section as wide as is suggested and then just shorten it to a length you like. Believe me, I know that now. I did have to take it apart and cut down the width but now it's a bit boxy. It's wearable, though!

Suggestions:
-pay close attention when sewing the neckline. It's a bit hard to get it smooth and pointy in the center front.
-it's not necessary to top stitch the neckline on the edge of the neck line (I misread the instructions).
-make the back with no gathers and add a bit of gathering to the front OR just cut the bottom half in more of a triangle shape but make sure fit the top end to the band exactly, with no gathers.
-try reversing the color combo band and neck in a pattern print and blouse in solid color.

Kimono Robe, green

2007-01-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

I made this kimono robe from the Amy Butler pattern book, In Stitches.

It was supposed to be a birthday gift for a family member but I'm not sure I like it for her. If you click on the link for the book (above) you'll see a picture of the kimono. It's a great pattern but I think I went wrong with the size. Another issue I have with it is the waist. I think it is too low! One solution would be to move it but I really dislike having to change something I've actually completed. Another solution is to find a person with a long torso! My husband seems to be a wiling victim! :) He says he'll wear it! Isn't he nice!? Here's his direct quote, "If I was in a band I would wear it! Jimi Hendrix wore a kimono."

Buffalo Chili

2007-01-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

After JP was born, Kelly brought us a meal. A DELICIOUS meal. The girls loved it and everytime I say I'm making chili for dinner they ask, "Kelly's chili?!" To their disappointment the answer is always, "No, just mom's chili." Well, today is the day I finally make "Kelly's Chili"! I just recently figured out that she had sent me the recipe (woohoo) and I think we'll be having this chili recipe more often than mine. Thanks, Kelly!

Buffalo Chili

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground buffalo meat or lean ground beef
1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) red beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained, rinsed
1 red onion chopped
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
¼ tsp black pepper
2 garlic cloves
1 can (11 oz) can tomato juice
sour cream
chopped fresh cilantro

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. brown the ground buffalo meat in the hot olive oil, string until crumbly. Drain if using ground beef. Stir in the undrained corn, undrained tomatoes, red beans, black beans, onion, bell peppers, chili powder, salt, cumin, red pepper flakes, black pepper and garlic. Add the tomato juice and mix well.

2. Simmer, covered for 40-45 minutes, stirring frequently. Ladle into chili bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with cilantro, or serve with your favorite chili toppings.

Servings: 4

Cooking Tips
You may substitute Bloody Mary mix for the tomato juice and add one 4 oz can chopped green chiles for a spicier chili.

Source: Colorado Colore

"bear" feet

2007-01-13T23:05:00.002-07:00

"Old School" Winter Fun

2007-01-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since Denver had a real winter with snow that actually sticks around for more than a day or two. I'm really loving the snow we're getting this winter! Of course, I haven't had to shovel any of it and I haven't had to drive anywhere important, so it's been great to stay home and hibernate.

Today we had another winter storm, the third big storm in three weeks, and we received an early morning call that preschool was cancelled! Yeah, a snow day! A snow day at our house doesn't mean much, though, since I don't work, my husband works from home and MC only has preschool 3 times a week. But to have no preschool today meant we, excluding C--kind of, could sleep in, lounge around in our jammies and take it easy! So that's exactly what we did until mid-afternoon when we decided we didn't want to make our own lunch.

We decided we could take out the "old school" sled and pull the girls to the neighborhood coffee shop. We could carry Baby J in the Baby Bjorn and protect him from the cold in our coats. It was a fun trek and probably easier than driving! The girls held on tight to the sled as it cut through the snow "like a hot knife through butter". Lunch was great and we even got a great workout.

After we came home we played a bit on the street since traffic was slow. It's been years since I've been on a sled and this was quite fun! Can't wait to find a good sledding hill for a real adrenaline rush!

simplicity

2007-01-04T23:53:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not going to write about Simplicity patterns! Rather, about simplicity in my life! I don't know how it happened but I came across this article today and I think it's the beginning of a big change in my life! It was so refreshing to read and I'm motivated to act on simplifying our lives!

It's been 10 days since Christmas Day and I still feel the Grinch-like emotions that come on during this season. Don't get me wrong, I like gifts. Receiving, but especially giving. Giving meaningful, well-thought out gifts. They don't even have to be store-bought either! I just don't like all of the materialistic hype! Before Christmas Day we're bombarded with BUY! BUY! BUY! Then after Christmas Day we're being told to take back what we received and go get what we "REALLY" wanted! Yikes! Isn't this so wrong?

Every year is the same. I try to make it different but it never really seems to change much. Having children can make this whole nightmare even worse! I'm so scared of raising children who want everything they see and worse yet, expect to have everything they want! I hope to be able to raise my children fully happy with the "few" things they receive and thankful too! Most importantly, I hope to raise them to understand "the reason for the season". Read this article by Archbishop Chaput.

So, about simplicity, well, I'm not entirely sure what we will be doing to simplify our lives. But I'm motivated to figure it out! Stay tuned!

December Crafting

2006-12-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

It's been so fun to sew on my new machine! I really like it and can't wait to start "expanding my horizons"!
I spent a lot of time sewing this month and here are some of the gifts I was able to complete:
-appliqued t-shirts
-a Denyse Schmidt apron
-an Amy Butler Nappy Bag
-24 stockings for our Advent Calendar (idea from Little Birds). These were made with purple and pink to reflect the colors of the candles in the Advent Wreath.
-a "Mary" costume for my daughter's Christmas program at school
I also made some headbands and fabric booties but don't have photos.

My new baby!

2006-12-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

Finally! It was about time for a new baby around here! Well, a new baby in my sewing room. I finally bought a new sewing machine and I really love it! It's so nice to have a machine with so many options and one that's portable too!

For the past 2 years I've been sewing on this:

and now I can also sew on this:

It is a Huskystarc20 and I love it. It is so nice to have such a user friendly machine! I'm sure to try lots of projects and also begin making some clothes for myself! I will still continue to use my Singer because it is so powerful and sturdy and so reliable.

I can't end this post without also talking about the "real" new baby in our lives! JP was born in September and is my sweetheart!!! He's a wonderful baby who has become "Mr. Smiles" and he's sooooooo cute! Well, at least I think so!

Holiday Blizzard - Denver

2006-12-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

This is what you get when it snows at the rate of 1-2 inches per hour!
Yesterday,

Today,

I think we have a total of about 28 inches!
The snow drifts in our yard measure up to 4 feet!

Today we went out to make snow angels but the girls decided that climbing and sitting was much more fun!

Walking on the snow. So light she didn't sink!

Resting on their thrones.

Cloth Baby Shoes

2006-11-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

How cute are these!?

I got the directions for these baby booties from this tutorial. Thank you Beki for blogging about them!

They are so easy to make and don't use much fabric. Fabric scraps will now have a new life! The soles are made from bonded fleece. It is so soft and will be great for keeping toes warm. It's sure to hold up well too. I was able to find it easily at the chain fabric stores.

These will be the perfect baby gift too! I've already got piles of bonded fleece and interfacing cut and ready to be made into cloth baby shoes!

The past 8 weeks

2006-11-10T00:14:00.000-07:00

In eight weeks I've experienced . . .
the birth of a new baby,
the beauty of family,
the love & generosity of others,
the maturity of big sisters,
the acceptance of s-l-o-w-i-n-g down and slowly letting go,
the change of seasons,
and, of course,
the desire to craft again.

So here I am once again.

Life is good and I'm so blessed! Thank you God!

Only $.70 in Craftland

2006-09-11T22:42:00.000-06:00

Well, not exactly Craftland, but the next best thing,
The Salvation Army!

A couple of weeks ago I made a quick visit to the local SA and came across this bargain!

Yes! You read it right! Only $.70 for this . . .

. . . 2 yards of beautiful vintage fabric!

Wonder what I will use it for? Right now I envision making something for Baby. Once I deliver and find out "boy" or "girl" I'll have a better idea of what to make.

Special Order Bag. . . DONE!

2006-09-07T00:41:00.000-06:00

I've been crafting with a group of moms from the neighborhood and one of them has asked me to make her a bag. She chose the handbag design with no straps just "holes" for handles and wants to use it to carry the bare minimun. I finished it tonight and just had to post it on my blog! Who cares what time it is!!!

Construction description:
-Beautiful exterior cotton fabric with amazing color combinations: maroon & chartreuse, turquoise & burnt orange, light blue & chartreuse, mustard yellow & light blue, maroon & light blue and more! So pretty! I just wish I knew how to tell whether or not a fabric is vintage.
-Bright orange cotton fabric for lining.
-The exterior fabric is interfaced for stiffness and structure.
-A cell phone pocket is included along with a couple of loops--one for sunglasses (exterior loop) and one for keys (interior loop with clip!).
-Sturdy bottom to add support for the bag.
-Measurments: width-13", height-9", depth-4.5"

I'm happy with the end result and I'm especially glad about the one simple thing I learned while making this handbag. . .
extra heavy-duty sewing machine needles REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! It's the first time I've used the denim strength needle for constructing a handbag and WOW!!!, why did I not realize that these were available before now!?

Mary-Frances, I might just decide to keep this one for myself if you don't pick it up soon! :)

small change!

2006-08-30T23:37:00.000-06:00

FYI-this blog has a new address:
http://creativaclaudia.blogspot.com/

No longer:
http://creativadiva.blogspot.com/